The Toronto Blue Jays have finally landed a high-profile free agent, adding Anthony Santander to their powerful roster, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.
Santander’s five-year deal is worth more than $90 million, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical review. There is a club option for the 2030 season.
Toronto played for Shohei Ohtani last year and was in the mix for Juan Soto before joining the New York Mets in December. The Blue Jays were also reportedly one of the finalists for Roki Sasaki before the Japanese pitcher agreed to his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But Toronto managed to fit Santander into its lineup alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springer. The Blue Jays are looking to bounce back after finishing last in the AL East with a 74-88 record in 2024.
Santander set career highs with 44 home runs, 102 RBIs and 91 runs scored in 155 games for Baltimore last year. The outfielder hit .235 with a .506 slugging percentage while making the AL All-Star team for the first time.
Santander, who turned 30 in October, was the first hitter in the majors to reach 40 home runs since 2006. He became the fourth hitter to hit at least 44 homers in a season, joining Mickey Mantle (twice), Lance Berkman and Chipper Jones. .
The Venezuelan slugger helped Baltimore advance to the playoffs for the second straight year, but was swept by Kansas City in the first round.
Santander signed with Cleveland as an international free agent in July 2011. He was selected by Baltimore in the Rule 5 Draft in December 2016.
After being sidelined with right elbow inflammation, he made his major league debut with the Orioles on August 18, 2017, but he only appeared in 13 games that first year.
Santander had an exceptional performance in 2022, hitting .240 with 33 home runs and 89 RBIs in 152 games. He established himself as part of an emerging group of young players as the Orioles went 83-79 after losing 110 games the previous season.
Santander hit .257 with 28 homers, 95 RBIs and a career-high 41 doubles as Baltimore won the 2023 AL East title with a 101-61 record. The Orioles were then swept by the Rangers in their AL Division Series.
